Why does alcohol make stress and depression “go away” almost instantly but is making it worse in the long run?
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The same mechanisms apply to most substances that are introduced to the body that have a psychoactive effect – neurotransmitters.
When you take a substance, it can have multiple ways of interacting with those messenger systems.
But remember, the body is constantly fighting to have a balance of them. Once you upset that balance, the body has to try hard to keep it’s balance.
Take for example ecstacy, a well-known dopamine releasing agent. After the brain releases more dopamine than it’s used to, users frequently report a “hangover” or “depressed” effect the next day. The body’s reserves are depleted in a sense and it has to work hard to either reuptake them or produce more, which is why most users will feel better after a few days.
This same principal applies to most substances humans commonly consume for a psychoactive effect. The difference may be found in what transmitters are affected and abuse potential – a whole nother story, but essentially any substance that produces a profound effect on conciousness can be addictive)
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